National survey of pharmacy residents nearing completion of the 2014-15 residency year.

Abstract

The results of a national survey targeting postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) and postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) resident's perceptions of their residency programs and postresidency job prospects are presented. An electronic survey was distributed to PGY1 and PGY2 residents identified through the ASHP membership database. The survey asked basic demographic questions, questions related to the residency experience (satisfaction, hours spent on various general activities such as patient care, research, and staffing), and various questions related to residents' job search and future career plans (search methods, outcomes, and satisfaction with the process). A total of 529 responses were received from the 2,766 surveys that were distributed, yielding a response rate of 19%. Most respondents reported having a favorable opinion of their residency. At the time of the survey, 71% of residents reported having found a full-time job; 17% of residents were still looking for a position. Eighty-five percent of PGY2 residents reported accepting a position in their specialty area and accepted clinical specialist roles in larger numbers than did PGY1 residents. Geographic location, practice/specialty area, and shift/schedule were the 3 areas of compromise most frequently mentioned when accepting a position and were the 3 areas ranked highest in terms of job importance. A survey of PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy residents revealed that about one sixth of respondents entering the job market were having difficulty finding a position before finishing residency training and that most respondents were satisfied with their residency experience.